The Week in Review

Lots of mundane stuff to report. Might be good to read this post next time you have insomnia!

We started our week with a call from Mia's pediatrician, who opened with, "We're going to get to know each other really well." He said the state health department, who had been notified about Mia's elevated lead level, wants her to be evaluated by a toxicologist from Emory University. That will happen next week. The adoption agency says this is not uncommon in children adopted from China. They said they've seen cases where the child's initial level was high, but was within normal range by the time the 6-month post-placement report was submitted. While this toxicologist visit is kind of a nuisance, I guess it is more helpful than what we'd initially been told to expect, namely that the state would be sending someone to our home to inspect it for lead.

Mia's diarrhea continues (today is day 18), but usually only once a day now. We're pretty sure the culprit is the antibiotic she takes for TB prevention. The patient information says it is a known side effect that might go awa during the course of treatment. That would be nice, since she has to take that med for 9 months. In the meantime, we're adapting. We've found some vinyl underpants in her size, so the number of daily clothing changes is down some.

I am returning to work on 11/1. Two days ago, our nanny informed us that she cannot work on Thursday afternoons. We'd specified the hours for the position as full days Monday through Thursday and a half day on Friday. We've informed her we'll be looking for someone else. My working mother friends say, "Welcome to our world!"

Mia still requires support when walking, but she is getting a bit steadier on her feet. She continues to challenge us in the sleep department. She goes to sleep anywhere between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., and wakes up ready to start her day anytime between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. She sleeps through the night about 60% of the time, and the other 40%, there is no predicting what time she'll wake up during the night. She usually takes one nap during the day, but it could be anywhere between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and last from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. I just wish we could understand what is happening in her head. For now, I just know not to count on having a nap of my own.

I started using some baby sign language this week. Experts advise this can be particularly helpful for a child who is adopted internationally. (You know, until you can say, "Use your words".) I'm starting with the signs for "eat" and "more." Mia quickly learned how to make the sign for "more," but I'm pretty sure she is just copying me and doesn't really know what it means. Still, it is a step in the right direction, and I think it is really precious. (Yes, I think 85% of the things she does are really precious.)

Mia decided she doesn't like eggs anymore. However, she does like canned sweet corn. I used to think those things that look like baby hot dogs in a jar looked pretty awful, but Mia likes them so they've become a staple for breakfast. They are made with turkey, so how bad can they be?

Perhaps the biggest breakthrough of the week is that Jeff taught Mia to brush her teeth! I'd been having a nightly battle with her. I don't know what he did, but I am glad that is over with.